Pain Has A Purpose

When we realize our days here matter, our pain has significance, and our choices are meaningful, we can step through the darkest of times with hope in your hearts.  It's not that we won't waver, but even our inquiries have the potential, when we are seeking, to lead us to a stronger faith. 

I find that my joy is enlarged by understanding that, as a child of God, even my pain has purpose.  That realization doesn't eliminate my pain, but it makes it more manageable, allowing me other emotions in the midst of calamity, even joy.

The Power of Faith

Everybody experiences difficult situations in life.  Things that make us want to scream out or give up.  Deprivations.  Sacrifices.  Losses.  Misunderstandings.  But isn't there some way for the Christian to respond without getting mad at God?  Otherwise, what's the good of our faith?  There has to be some key to being joyful in the midst of discouraging circumstances and crabby people.  What is it?

It's taking god at his Word.  It's believing he will do what he says, no matter how things look or how we feel.  Nobody said it would be easy.  If you find any Scripture that even hints that life will be easy, call me collect.  Please.  But I can tell you now ... it ain't in there!  However, trusting God with everything we have, everything we are, every problem that is ours, every loss we endure, every battle we face, every person who disappoints us --with thanksgiving-- gives us the grace to come through it with flying colors.

written by Luci Swindoll

Promises About a Happy Heart

You have made known to me the path of life, O Lord; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  Psalm 16:11


Be glad ... rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness.  He send you abundant showers, both autumn and springs rain, as before.   Joel 2:23


Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5


You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.  Psalm 30:11-12

Laughter is Good Medicine

If you laugh a lot, when you are older all your wrinkles will be in the right places!

Promises About Turning the Tables on Trouble

Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  John 16:33


I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.  2 Corinthians 7:4


I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39


The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in time of trouble.  Psalm 9:9

Angry, Bored, or Dull

Life is too short to spend it being angry, bored, or dull.  That was never God's intention.  Maybe boredom and dullness aren't on any list of sins in the Bible, but they will sap your joy if you tolerate them.

Promises About Struggles

When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.  Proverbs 10:25

Just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.  2 Corinthians 1:5

God knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.  Job 23:10

Consider it pure joy ... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  James 1:2-3

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.   Romans 5:3-5